GL450 Trailer Hitch - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

tmarjo · 04-17-2008, 07:07 AM

Looking for a after market trailer hitch for gl 450 anyone have one on their vehicle - Looking for feedback - How bad does it look????
Thanks

jembutler · 05-14-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmarjo

Looking for a after market trailer hitch for gl 450 anyone have one on their vehicle - Looking for feedback - How bad does it look????
Thanks

had one fitted last week and it looks great. Manufactured by Westfalia who i believe make them for Benz!! the instructoins say no cut to the bumper needed but it did in fact need a small amount cutting out of the splash guard but right on the bottom edge so you cant see it anyway. I had a fixed swan neck put on but you can have the removable one if you wish.

and by the way the pulling ability is fantastic

lkchris · 05-14-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jembutler

had one fitted last week and it looks great. Manufactured by Westfalia who i believe make them for Benz!!

Your hitch is clearly European specification, is not available in the USA, and is irrelevant to the question as far as USA usage goes.

Fourdiesel · 05-14-2008, 04:20 PM

Since the OP didn't specify any country or continent, it is wise to assume ANYWHERE goes, not just USA.

lkchris · 05-15-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourdiesel

Since the OP didn't specify any country or continent, it is wise to assume ANYWHERE goes, not just USA.

Nothing wise about that assumption.

Nothing wise, either, about not listing location in profile. Not if poster wants to get help, anyway.

adamred · 06-08-2008, 01:56 PM

I wanted to have a hitch installed just for a bike rack system (so not a full towing system) was told by a mechanic who installs a ton of these on a variety of vehicles that I'd need to go to the dealer...at 3 times the cost... (US based)

BBKrish · 07-26-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmarjo

Looking for a after market trailer hitch for gl 450 anyone have one on their vehicle - Looking for feedback - How bad does it look????
Thanks

The US aftermarket hitch has not yet been fitted to the GL. However, the MBUS hitch is made in ALabama by a MB vendor.

The US aftermarket folks who design and build the commercial hitches do so as time permits, and as the local vehicle dealers in their regional areas allow.

Curt/Dalan in Eau Claire Wi. is the choice aftermarket designer for European vehicle trailer hitches for the US market. They accept individual vehicles for design and fitment as needed. They will also work directly with consumers to get your hitch made. They may have it listed on projects and give updates as they come available.

U-Haul also is a custom designer and fitter of hitches; otherwise not available for the aftermarket. They design, build and fit a hitch to a similar vehicle in their Tempe Tech Center, and ship nationwide to you, or, your choice of installers. I've been successful up to this point in getting hitches custom made at those facilities. They give no time frame guarantee for the fitment. They are required to obtain similar vehicles from dealers, or, private parties for installations. The current custom pricing for csutrom design @ U-Haul $450.

We have also seen on occasion, a Euro version trailer hitch fitting US market vehicles; however, great care and evaluation needs to accompany those purchases. Cost of a Euro hitch is more than a US aftermarket version. Plus shipping. Great designs for the most part , and the hitches are clearly set out with care and safety in mind.

It is one of my pet projects to hitch up everything that crosses my path; whether commercial aftermarket or custom fitment. I would be intersted in how your project works out.

Best regards,
Bob